Issue 102 - Mixing it Up

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Mixing it Up

Water, ice or your favourite mixer you must enjoy our fine spirit how you like it

Forget the ice, but steady on with the water please!

Frequently on my travels I am asked the question: “What's the best way to enjoy whisky?” Invariably my reply will be “Its purely personal!” It really depends on what whisky you are drinking along with its strength.

To introduce and to “open up” the spirit to your palate, as a general rule for blended whisky and single malts up to 12 Years Old at 40% ABV, a splash of water is perfect.

Then by holding the spirit long in the mouth, before swallowing, will add further enjoyment of your whisky.

In my opinion the addition of ice merely masks the beautiful flavour of your Scotch which has taken years to create. If you must add ice, please do check that it is fresh and not picking up any odours from the fridge.

If you don't like your whisky neat, then some mixers at the right proportion can be very pleasant but please bear in mind its flavour and carbonation can add another level to your whisky.

At the end of the day whether it is water, ice or your favourite mixer you must enjoy our fine spirit how you like it. However when it comes to rare whiskies I will draw the line!

I was recently in Singapore conducting a Whisky Tasting when I met a gentleman with a large glass of Scotch, overflowing with ice cubes. Naturally I asked him what he was drinking. When he told me it was The Dalmore 45 Years Old “Aurora” I nearly had a heart attack! It transpired this is how the bartender at this particular reception had bee...